Indian food safety officer shakes up Mumbai, one viral raid at a time

Tukaram Mundhe, Maharashtra's state food safety commissioner, is leading a vigorous campaign against poor hygiene and unsafe food in Mumbai, captivating the nation. The 51-year-old bureaucrat has conducted over 3,000 raids since taking charge in May, targeting everything from fast-food chains to local eateries and even court canteens.

In recent weeks, Mundhe's team has suspended food permits for four Domino's outlets and one Pizza Hut. When a judge questioned the focus on private businesses, Mundhe's teams promptly inspected court canteens, shutting down some that operated without licenses. Mundhe stated his regulatory approach is firm: "Those who try to not comply, they will face what is expected from the regulator. You are dealing with the lives of people."

“

Those who try to not comply, they will face what is expected from the regulator. You are dealing with the lives of people.

Mundhe's actions resonate with a deep public frustration over food safety standards in India. Despite the growth of international chains, local establishments often face scrutiny for hygiene. Government data indicates that roughly 20% of over 100,000 food samples tested annually since 2020 were found to be unsafe, substandard, or improperly labeled, leading to the cancellation of nearly 8,000 food business licenses in the past three years.

The food safety chief's unconventional style includes viral social media posts featuring graphic images of violations, such as stained walls, cockroaches, and expired food. This transparency has shocked many and heightened awareness among vendors. Street vendors in Mumbai have responded by improving practices, such as using natural dyes, changing frying oil more frequently, and ensuring staff wear gloves and head caps.

“

It was surprising. I did not expect these many violations.